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    Tony Book dead at 90: Legendary former Man City captain and manager dies as club lead emotional tributes

    FORMER Manchester City captain and manager Tony Book has died aged 90.The ex-full-back played 315 times for City between 1966 and 1974.Tony Book won the FA Cup in 1969Credit: PA:Press AssociationBook, left, cemented himself as a Man City legendCredit: GettyHe won four major trophies as the club’s skipper, before later going on to have three stints as manager.City have posted an emotional tribute to their club icon.Their statement read: “It is with huge sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of former Manchester City captain and manager Tony Book, aged 90.”A true Club legend in every sense of the word, Tony made 315 appearances for City in total between 1966 and 1974, scoring five goals.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn their website, they added that Book was “Mr Manchester City”.Book’s career was largely influenced by fellow City icon Malcolm Allison.He was managed by Allison at hometown team Bath City, before following him to Toronto in 1964.When Allison landed the Plymouth Argyle job, he made Book his first signing at Home Park.Most read in FootballAmazingly at the age of 30, this was Book’s first taste of League football.Two years later he joined City in a £17,000 deal, after Allison had taken a job as Joe Mercer’s assistant.Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferWith City, Book won the First Division, FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup.He was also named Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year in 1969, sharing the award with Tottenham icon Dave Mackay.And George Best once named Book as his most difficult-ever opponent.In 1973, Book took temporary charge of City while still a player.Book played as a full-back for CityCredit: RexHe retired the following year aged 39 to work as Ron Saunders’ assistant, before landing the manager gig six months later when Saunders was sacked.One of his first games in charge saw City beat Manchester United 1-0, in a game that effectively relegated their rivals.Book won the League Cup as boss in 1976, before being replaced by Allison in 1979.He soon returned in the 1980s, and worked in a variety of roles across the club.The City icon worked as a youth coach, before stepping in as caretaker boss in 1989 and 1993 – while he also made up part of Peter Reid’s coaching staff.READ MORE SUN STORIESFollowing his coaching career, Book was named Honorary President of the club.He is survived by wife Sylvia, and kids Tracey and Anthony. More

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    My dad will look down with pride when Forest host Liverpool and rekindle 70s rivalry, says Brian Clough’s son Nigel

    BRIAN CLOUGH will be looking down with pride when Nottingham Forest host Liverpool in an amazing rekindling of their 70s rivalry.That is the message from his son Nigel — who played for both sides — ahead of tonight’s unlikely Premier League title crunch at the City Ground.Liverpool and Nottingham Forest collide in an unlikely top-of-the-table clash tonightCredit: GETTYThe match is a throwback to the ’70’s when the clubs were the best in the landCredit: REXBrian Clough was in charge of Forest when they went toe-to-toe with the Reds for major honoursCredit: PASon Nigel believes his late father will be looking down proudly this eveningCredit: REXForest are the story of the Prem season after six consecutive top-flight wins that has them battling with the big boys at the top.If Nuno Espirito Santo’s side make it seven on the bounce, they will cut Liverpool’s lead to just three points.Clough Sr took Forest from the old Second Division in 1977 to break the dominance of Liverpool and land the First Division title and two European Cups within just three years.Mansfield boss Nigel, 58, whose League One side play Wigan in the FA Cup tonight, declared: “Dad would have been very proud to see Forest back up there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“So many older supporters have said they wish their children were around to see that time.“Now, they are getting a little taste. Not of what it was — but a little taste of them being up there.“It’s just brilliant for those fans. It was always special playing Liverpool and I couldn’t believe the recent stat that Forest had not won at Liverpool since 1969.“For how much Forest did challenge them, they could not win at Anfield — despite some good nil-nils there.Most read in Football“It will be another sell-out at the City Ground. People can’t get tickets there these days, although they are welcome to come to the One Call Stadium if they want to see some live football.”Back in the late 1970s, Forest versus Liverpool was the country’s biggest rivalry.Elon Musk wants to buy Liverpool in stunning takeover says dad who fears club will ‘raise price’ for world’s richest manOld Big ’Ead, who died in 2004, masterminded Forest’s rise from the second tier in 1976-1977 and they won the First Division the next year.What followed was even more remarkable — European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, following on from Liverpool’s consecutive wins before that.Forest also beat Liverpool in the 1978 League Cup final at Wembley as Clough and his Anfield rival, Bob Paisley, created an enduring rivalry.Clough Jr, who was 12 when Forest won the title in 1978, said: “I never thought I would see the sides up there together in the top three or four again.“It brings back memories of the late 70s when they were English football’s dominant forces.“Every time they have played in recent history, it’s always Liverpool who have been strong favourites.“But this does take you back all those years, when Forest were the only side responsible for preventing Liverpool’s dominance continuing.Dad would have been very proud to see Forest back up there.Nigel Clough“They were established European champions, had dominated in the mid-70s and looked as though they would continue to do that until Forest came along and upset the apple cart.”For a few years, Forest were then equal to them at least.”It will bring back a lot of memories for the older Forest supporters, who can tell their children that 40-odd years ago they were toe-to-toe with Liverpool.“This is the closest it’s been since that time at the moment.“I remember watching the rivalry build and Liverpool players from that time acknowledge the role Forest played in giving them that challenge they were not getting anywhere else in Europe.“It was not a geographical rivalry. It was just a rivalry on the pitch after becoming Liverpool’s closest challengers.“It wasn’t like a Liverpool v Manchester United situation.“But we just had so many battles around that time — including the League Cup final, as well as pipping them for the title and beating them in the European Cup first round.Matches between Forest and Liverpool were the pinnacle of English football in the 1970sCredit: GETTYNigel Clough played for both Nottingham Forest and LiverpoolCredit: GETTY“It all just evolved. The one uniting factor, if anything, was the Hillsborough disaster a few years later.“You would never get the tragedy chanting like with Liverpool v Manchester United — it’s not that sort of rivalry.”It is just purely the rivalry on the pitch of two very, very good football teams at their peak.”After two seasons finding their feet back in the top flight, Forest have suddenly hit form.They are the only team to win at Anfield this season, thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal in September.And Clough — who played over 300 times for Forest before signing for Liverpool in 1993 — reckons they have to be taken seriously as title contenders.He added: “You can’t ignore Forest now because of the run they have had, similar to when Leicester won it.“It breeds confidence, which is a commodity in football you can’t buy.“You can’t instil it, either. The only way to get it is by winning games.“I saw some of the game at Wolves the other night and, after Forest scored early, the home side failed to take one of two or three chances.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Forest won it 3-0 when it could have maybe been 1-1.“When games like that are going for them, you can’t rule them out.” More

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    Morocco to execute THREE MILLION dogs in ‘brutal street clean up’ ahead of 2030 World Cup to make cities ‘nice for fans’

    MOROCCO could be set to slaughter three MILLION stray dogs in a brutal clean up bid before hosting the 2030 World Cup.The pooches could be wiped out from the streets to make the country’s cities look nicer to visiting football fans, it’s been claimed.Millions of stray dogs could be killed across Morocco in a brutal bid to ‘clean up the streets’ ahead of the 2030 World CupCredit: GettyThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousAnimal activist organisations claim dogs are poisoned with strychnine, a toxic chemical used as pesticide to kill small animals like birds and rodentsCredit: GettyMorocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, marking the tournament’s centennial edition. The event will feature matches across all three countries, highlighting Morocco’s first opportunity to co-host a World Cup. The country has already begun preparing its infrastructure, aiming to upgrade stadiums and transportation networks to meet FIFA standards.But it has also reportedly killed thousands of stray dogs, and it’s feared that the numbers could still ramp up as 2030 approaches.Read more on 2030 World CupThe International Animal Coalition is now shining a spotlight on the killings, dubbing it “Morocco’s ugly secret”.According to the coalition, dogs are poisoned with strychnine – a highly toxic, colourless, and bitter chemical used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small animals such as birds and rodents.The pups are also reportedly shot in the streets, the coalition says, or trapped and transported to facilities where they’re brutally slaughtered.Many are also said to die in agony after being wounded by gunmen patrolling around the clock, the Daily Mail reports.Most read in FootballDespite claims from Moroccan authorities that the brutal campaign stopped in August 2024, the coalition says the killings spiked after FIFA announced Morocco as a host nation in 2023.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Sun has contacted FIFA for more information on the allegations.With outrage mounting, activists are demanding immediate action to end the slaughter and protect Morocco’s stray dogs.Jane Goodall, a top animal rights advocate, has now written to FIFA, urging immediate action and accusing the organisation of ignoring what she describes as “a horrific act of barbarity”.In her letter to FIFA’s Secretary general Mattias Grafström, Goodall said she was appalled at reports of large-scale dog killings by Moroccan authorities, an initiative said to have ended last August.“I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them,” she wrote.Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and PortugalCredit: PopulousIt’s been claimed that the North African country wants to make its cities look nicer to visiting football fansCredit: https://www.cruzyortiz.com/Goodall also raised concerns about how global football fans might respond to such cruelty.She wrote: “You must surely be aware of how football fans around the world – many of whom are also animal lovers – will react when they learn of this?”The activist went on to warn of the potential damage to FIFA’s reputation, saying:  “Moreover, it will place FIFA itself under the spotlight once again.”I know you have been working hard to rehabilitate FIFA’s reputation following recent scandals. “If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”Goodall called for decisive measures, urging FIFA to ensure an end to the killings and consider suspending Morocco’s hosting of the tournament if the practice continues.She explained: “There are many humane alternatives to controlling street dog populations, and a number of reputable international organisations who are happy to assist the Moroccan authorities in implementing such programmes.”READ MORE SUN STORIES“There is simply no excuse for the awful campaign of cruelty that is being executed in football’s name.”I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to bring it to an immediate end, and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public everywhere for doing so,” she concluded. Morroco’s World Cup plansby Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News ReporterMOROCCO is gearing up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with ambitious plans to leave a lasting mark on the tournament.At the heart of these efforts is the Grand Stade Hassan II, a proposed 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, inspired by the traditional Maghrebi communal tent, or moussem.Dubbed “a Noah’s Ark for nature and animals,” the stadium aims to rival global landmarks like Beijing’s Bird’s Nest and Qatar’s cutting-edge arenas.The project, part of a $5 billion World Cup investment, includes upgrades to five existing stadiums and a $490 million allocation for the Grand Stade Hassan II. This monumental effort follows Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals in 2022, reigniting the kingdom’s dream of football glory. Officials hope the tournament will boost the economy, create jobs, and solidify Morocco’s reputation as a modern and influential leader in the region.But the plans are not without controversy. Critics point to potential concerns about labour conditions for migrant workers and Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, which has sparked tensions with neighboring Algeria, The Guardian reports.Despite these issues, the excitement among Morocco’s football-loving public remains high, with hopes of hosting the World Cup final in their iconic new “ark.” More

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    Chelsea star arrives at court accused of racially abusing police officer in row over taxi fare

    CHELSEA star Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of racially abusing a police officer in a row over a taxi fare.The 31-year-old allegedly lashed out at the cop in Twickenham, South West London, in January 2023.Sam Kerr has arrived at court accused of a racially aggravated offenceCredit: Twitter/@hansinclair9The Chelsea star allegedly abused a police officerCredit: AlamyKerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, was seen arriving at Kingston Crown Court today for a hearing.The Australia international has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment and is due to stand trial next month.Scotland Yard previously said: “Samantha Kerr, 30 (10.09.93) of Richmond was charged via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offence under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986.“The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.Most read in FootballShe has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie Mewis with the couple getting engaged last year.They announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisThe couple announced they are expecting a baby More

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    Dejan Kulusevski eats SEA MOSS and hangs out in sauna as day in the life of Tottenham star revealed in video

    TOTTENHAM winger Dejan Kulusevski has given fans a glimpse into his training regime – including snacking on sea moss and spending time in an oxygen chamber.Kulusevski joined Tottenham from Juventus four years ago and quickly established himself as an important first-team player.Dejan Kulusevski showed fans a day in his life, starting with breakfast at the training groundCredit: X @SpursOfficialHe was filmed eating sea moss from a jarThe winger then went for a gym sessionCredit: X @SpursOfficialNow comfortably settled into life in London, the 24-year-old has given fans a look at a day in his life, starting with breakfast at the training ground.After arriving at Hotspur Way, the Sweden international signed some shirts before getting changed into his training kit and making his way into the dining room.After eating some scrambled eggs, avocado and a bowl of fruit, he tucked into a spoonful of SEA MOSS from a jar.He said: “Here we have the speciality – sea moss. Contains 92 0f 102 essential minerals.”Read More in FootballSpeaking to team-mate Son Heung-min across the table, he then went on to say: “Don’t look at me, you tried this last year!”Kulusevski then completed an interview for Sky Sports before starting work in the gym.After his work-out, the winger went into a hyperbaric chamber – a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised room to help the body heal – for around 45-50 minutes to recover.He then did some recovery work in the pool and spent 15 minutes in a sauna.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe spent 45 minutes in a hyperbaric chamberCredit: X @SpursOfficialKulusevski concluded his morning session in an ice bath alongside team-mates James Maddison and Radu Dragusin.The Tottenham stars were fed chicken and salad for lunch before leaving the ground.Ange Postecoglou praises hosts Tamworth after hard-fought FA Cup win But rather than going home straight away, Kulusevski made a surprise appearance at a local community centre to give gifts out to children alongside Lucas Bergvall.The winger went on to score for Tottenham in their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United two days later.Spurs subsequently booked their spot in the semi-finals with a 4-3 win.Kulusevski ended the training day in the ice bathCredit: X @SpursOfficialHe enjoyed lunch before leaving the training groundCredit: X @SpursOfficialKulusevski made a surprise appearance at a local community centre to give gifts out to childrenCredit: X @SpursOfficial More

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    How Pep Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra went from being his rock to ‘moving away’ before their shock ‘split’

    PEP GUARDIOLA’s strain has been there for everybody to see this season.The Man City boss has been, literally, scratching his head over his team’s poor form in all competitions.Pep Guardiola has ‘split’ with Cristina Serra after more than 30 years togetherCredit: Getty – ContributorGuardiola and Cristina share three children, Marius, left, Valentina, centre, and Maria, rightCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Spaniard appeared with red scratch marks over his face and head in late NovemberNow, it has been reported by Spanish media that he has ‘split’ from wife of over 30 years, Cristina Serra.Barcelona-based newspaper Sport claim that the pair ended their marriage in December while both in Spain.Sport add their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways.The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company.Read more in footballBut she has been moving from Spain to London – still visiting her husband when time allows.While his life was unravelling off the pitch, on it things weren’t much better.The Premier League champions endured a miserable run during that month – losing to Juventus in the Champions League, at home to Man Utd in the Manchester derby, and suffering defeat to Aston Villa before Christmas. After a Champions League game against Feyenoord in late November, where he watched his side blow a three-goal lead at the Etihad, he cut a tense and nervous figure.Most read in FootballHe was seen with scratches on his head and nose in the press conference that evening.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordGuardiola was quizzed about how he got the cuts and responded by saying: “My finger, here [makes a scratching motion]. My nail.”The Spaniard then joked that City’s woeful form over the last few weeks has driven him to self-harm, saying: “I want to harm myself.”Guardiola later apologised for his comments and insisted he wasn’t making light of mental health issues.Behind the scenes, his marriage was crumbling as he felt pressure he’s never felt during his managerial career.The missusPep met beautiful Cristina in Catalonia, when they were just starry-eyed teenagers.She comes from a fashion family dynasty, who own the Serra Claret boutique in Barcelona.It was there their paths crossed for the first time.Guardiola, then a youth star, was doing a modelling shoot for the late Spanish designer Antonio Miro in the shop, when he fixed his gaze on his future missus.They finally walked down the aisle in 2014 at a town hall on the outskirts of Barcelona.Last year, he revealed his wife was his fashion guru.Cristina Serra comes from a fashion family dynastyCredit: Bongarts – GettyHe said: “My wife is the best in the world at many things, but especially in fashion. So she says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow her.”I am smart enough to know that when people are much much better than me, follow their advice and hers is really good.”Whenever City tasted success, Cristina was often seen at the Etihad alongside Guardiola.She happily posed with the trophies his teams won, with their kids in tow.Guardiola and Cristina met when they were teenagers at her family’s fashion boutiqueCredit: AFP – GettyCristina, daughter Maria and Pep enjoyed a trip to Wimbledon last summerCredit: APread more sport featuresModel daughterGuardiola and Cristina share three children together.Their eldest child is daughter Maria, 24, who has branched out on her own.She shares her glam lifestyle to almost one million followers on Instagram.Unsurprisingly, the beauty is a model and has appeared in sexy bikini shoots for swimwear brand iBilovesyou.She also once reportedly dated a footballer.Back in 2021, Maria was spotted with ex-Spurs star Dele Alli in a romantic clinch.As we exclusively revealed, the pair didn’t care who saw them as they snogged each other at Cloud 9 rooftop bar in front of the DJ booth.Daughter Maria Guardiola has branched out on her ownCredit: INSTAGRAMUnsurprisingly, stunning brunette Maria is a modelCredit: INSTAGRAMMaria once dated Premier League footballer Dele AlliCredit: INSTAGRAMA few months later, they were spotted getting lunch at trendy Mayfair hotspot Novikov, before grabbing a coffee at Starbucks.However, six months later it was reported that Alli had split with Maria.Family timeIn 2023, after a gruelling and successful season as City boss – winning the treble – family came first for Pep.He took Cristina and their kids on a trip of a lifetime to visit to Egypt.Maria, son Marius, 21, and youngest daughter Valentina, 16, joined their parents to tour Cairo and Luxor and visit the Sphinx and Great Pyramid of Giza.Wearing a white outfit and a red baseball cap bearing the letter P, Guardiola received a special ‘Pharaoh’ trophy in photos taken by officials at the Ministry of Tourism.Marius Guardiola is Pep’s only sonCredit: SuppliedThe Guardiola family enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to EgyptPep and his family pose in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in matching outfitsCredit: SuppliedShowing a family that all pull the same way together, they were all dressed in neutral shades of white as they beamed for photos.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Pep and Cristina have split, this kind of showing points to a more amicable resolution.That can only be for the benefit of Pep, Cristina, Maria, Marius, and Valentina moving forward. 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    Premier League release PSR statement on Leicester amid fears club could be hit by points deduction

    PREM clubs sailing close to the financial wind breathed a sigh of relief as it emerged there were NO Profitability and Sustainability Rules breaches last season.But League chiefs are STILL pursuing Leicester, despite the Foxes having successfully argued a legal loophole which meant the Prem could not charge them for breaking the rules in 2022-23.Leicester have avoided a Premier League chargeCredit: GettyAll the clubs who had posted aggregate losses over the previous two seasons had a hard deadline for their 2023-24 accounts on December 31.Clubs are limited to “allowable losses” – once spending on infrastructure, the youth and women’s teams and community projects is taken off – of a maximum £105m over three seasons, with the limit £22m less for any seasons spent outside the Prem.Under rules voted in by the clubs in 2023, charges then had to be laid by League bosses within 14 days, with the hard deadline today.Any alleged breaches would have been dealt with and punishments imposed before the end of this campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnlike last season, which saw Everton and Nottingham Forest deducted points, the deadline passed with no clubs being charged.However, it emerged that Prem lawyers are still arguing that the case involving Leicester should be reopened.In a statement, a Prem spokesman said: “Issues as to the jurisdiction of the Premier League over Leicester City Football Club in relation to PSR compliance are currently the subject of confidential arbitration proceedings.“Accordingly, neither the League nor the club will make any further comment at this stage about any aspect of the club’s compliance or otherwise with any of the PSR or related Rules.Most read in Football“No complaint has been brought against Leicester by the League for any breach of the PSRs for the period ending Season 2023/24.”Leicester, who faced a significant points deduction after being charged, persuaded an appeal hearing that they were not under Prem jurisdiction because they had been relegated to the Championship last season.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskThat ruling, though, is evidently still being challenged by Prem legal chiefs.The lack of charges demonstrates the success of last summer’s end of season player swap deals between a number of Prem clubs, aimed at meeting PSR rules.That transfer merry-go-round saw Newcastle sell midfielder Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35m, with Greek keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos heading the other way in a £20m deal.Everton, looking at a loss of around £90m for the previous two campaigns, sold Ben Godfrey to Atalanta for £10m and Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa for £9m in the final days before the official June 30 end of last term.The Goodison Park side also paid £9m for Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam, while Chelsea sold Ian Maatsen to Unai Emery’s men for £37.5m and bought youngster Omari Kellyman for £19m.Villa brought in more than £40m from Juventus for midfielder Douglas Luiz.Those deals led to Prem chiefs warning clubs that they must not use loopholes in the rulebook to avoid PSR penalties and that they are duty bound to act “with utmost good faith” towards the competition and rivals.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were arguments that charging each other potentially inflated fees – with incoming transfers “amortised” over contract lengths while sales can be lodged at full book value – to get round PSR provisions was a breach of that undertaking.However, all the deals have been cleared by League bosses, ensuring the final Prem table is set to be exactly that – with all points earned on the pitch counting at the end of the season in May. More

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    Ex-England & Man City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson died £8million in debt – as his house goes up for sale

    SVEN-Goran Eriksson died £8million in debt with his house now up for sale, it is reported.Football went into mourning last August when the ex-England boss died from pancreatic cancer aged 76.Sven-Goran Eriksson died £8million in debt according to reports in SwedenCredit: GettyTributes flowed in after the death of Eriksson last AugustCredit: RexEriksson lived in the mansion for 22 years which is now up for saleCredit: AlamySven died after battling pancreatic cancerThe legendary coach’s estate was published today – showing he owed £8.6million when he passed away.The document reveals he owned £4.8million in assets, according to respected Swedish newspaper Gotesborg-Posten.However, the estate inventory is also said to show that he had debts totalling £8.6million.This means that the estate had a deficit of around £3.8million, reports the Mirror.Read More in FootballIt comes as Sven’s lakeside property on a secluded estate in Sunne, Sweden, has been made available for around £1.8million.Preparations to sell his seven-bedroom mansion, which has its own private beach, began in September.Eriksson paid £420,000 for the late-19th Century home in 2002 when he was Three Lions chief and his partner was Italian lawyer Nancy Dell’Olio.Agent Sotheby’s say he has since “left his personal mark on both the interior and exterior”.Most read in FootballThe property’s value soared to £3million in the last decade, but it has now fallen to almost half of that figure.The home, covering 835 square metres, has multiple reception rooms and a library. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s former mistress Faria Alam has bid him an emotional final farewellAnd it’s also as sporty as you might expect.A 250-square metre poolhouse sits outside, along with a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and relaxation area.There’s also a tennis court, jetty, a motorised floating platform, a sandy cove and waterside gazebos.Lawyer Anders Runebjer, who was a close friend of Eriksson’s, reportedly expects the home to sell quite easily.Runebjer believes the reduced valuation of £1.8m is more realistic for buyers, Swedish outlet Expressen reports.He also pointed to the freedom and natural setting offered by the property. Sven died on August 26 last year after suffering from pancreatic cancer.During a five-year spell in charge, Sven led England to quarter-final appearances at the World Cup in 2002 and 2006 as well as Euro 2004.Sven landed the Three Lions job after Kevin Keegan quit the post following England’s 1-0 loss to Germany in October 2000.He previously won a first Serie A title in 26 years with Lazio, and after stepping down with England went on to manage Manchester City and the Mexico national team.Due to his health issues, Eriksson was sadly forced to step down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.After bravely announcing his cancer diagnosis, he was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Swede’s death sparked an outpouring of grief for the ex-Manchester City and Leicester boss.David Beckham and Roy Hodgson were among the mourners at Eriksson’s funeral in his home-town of Torsby, near Sunne.SVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August.Sven-Goran Eriksson coaching Philippines in 2019Credit: GettyDavid Beckham was one of many stars who paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson following his passingCredit: gettyEriksson bought his home for £420k and ‘left his personal mark’ on itCredit: Alamy More